Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW)
1110 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(800) 645-3563
Flight Training: Instrument Rating
After obtaining a private
pilot certificate, an
instrument rating is
commonly the next
step in progressing
your flying privileges
and abilities. An
instrument rating
allows a pilot to fly in
inclement weather, and
into clouds, using only
the instruments in the
cockpit as reference
instead of visual
reference to terrain and
horizon outside of the
cockpit. This is
technically known as
flying under instrument
flight rules (IFR). Flying
IFR requires an IFR flight plan and the pilot will remain under air traffic control authority throughout the flight. Following directions from the controller, and flying your specific flight plan route provides safe distance and spacing from the other aircraft around you.
Still have some questions? Contact us for more information: (253) 851-5577
Requirements & Costs
Instrument Rating Price Estimate:
Aircraft Rental (C-172) ...............
Flight Instruction ...............................
Simulator Instruction .........................
Ground Instruction .............................
Instrument Pilot Kit ........................................................
Knowledge Test Fee ......................................................
Check Ride Fee ............................................................
Please note: This is an estimate based on Pavco’s average student completion time under our Part 141 program. Prices may change without notice based on aircraft rental rates. Prices effective 1/1/2024
To be eligible to pursue an Instrument Rating, the applicant must:
• Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
• As with the requirement to hold the private pilot certificate, the applicant must be at least 17 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English.
• Hold a current FAA Medical Certificate
• Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course using an
instrument textbook and/or videos.
• Accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience, including the following:
• If training under Part 141:
• 30 hours of ground instruction
• 35 hours of flight instruction (up to 40% of the instrument training may be accomplished in an
approved flight simulator)
• If training under Part 61:
• 50 hours of cross-country time
• 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 15 of which are dual flight instruction (up to 20
hours of the instrument training may be accomplished in an approved flight simulator)
• Pass a computerized FAA knowledge test
• Pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or
authorized check instructor (Part 141 only)
For more details and aeronautical requirements, please see the Federal Aviation Regulations
Hours
40
40
5
10
Rate/Hr
$155.00
$69.00
$106.00
$69.00
TOTAL:
Total
$6,200.00
$2,760.00
$530.00
$690.00
$300.00
$175.00
$600.00
$11,255.00
Training Materials
Pavco has all of the training materials you will need to get started with your flying. Please come in and browse our pilots shop. Our staff will help you find the training materials you need...
Items you will need:
• Cessna Instrument Ground School Kit
• Aircraft Information Manual
• Seattle Sectional Chart
• L1/L2 Low Enroute Chart
• Terminal Procedures Publication
Strongly Recommended:
• Flight Bag (organize and transport your gear)
• Instrument Flying Handbook
• Instrument Procedures Handbook
• Plotter (for cross country flight planning)
• Seattle Terminal Area Chart
• Airport/ Facility Directory
• Instrument Oral Exam Guide
• Instrument Airman Certification Standards
Earn your Bachelor's Degree of Science in Aviation
right here at Pavco!
